Letter: Err on the side of caution with global warming

The way we work is pretty simple. For the most part we follow our own interests.

The fossil fuel industry, following its own interests, works hard to create skepticism about global warming. They, of course, prefer business as usual.

They spend tens of millions of dollars sowing confusion and doubt with help from their cronies, the congressional representatives in whom you place your trust. It’s not in their interest to do otherwise. Keeping you confused, keeps you from acting in your best interest.

You would think that a mature and responsible climate change skeptic would say “I’m skeptical about global warming, but, just to be on the safe side, it’s probably better for me to support initiatives that keep greenhouse gases low. You know, just in case.”

The immature and irresponsible denier just says no, period. Denying blindly is a way to feel powerful, but that power comes from ignorance and a willingness to buy into the industry’s propaganda. It’s self-destructive and puts us all in danger.

Considering the consequences, it can’t be a mistake to be cautious. I believe that caution is the righteous path.